FAQs

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body using thin, sterile needles. These needles activate the nervous system, which releases natural chemicals like endorphins and neurotransmitters. This process helps reduce pain, improve circulation, and promote healing. By influencing the body’s natural processes, acupuncture helps restore balance and enhances overall health.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine has been around for thousands of years. The tools have been used as stand alone therapies or complementary to Western medicine. There are a myriad of conditions that benefit from acupuncture, but to name a few:

• Digestive disorders - IBS, gas/bloating, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, nausea and vomiting, constipation, diarrhea and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)

• Gynecological - menstrual pain, bloating, irregular menses, heavy menses, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and fertility

• Obstetric - morning sickness, fatigue and various post-partum issues (eg. mastitis, prolapse, anxiety, depression, milk supply issues)

• Mental health - stress, anxiety, depression, panic/fear and obsessive compulsive tendencies

• Pain - sports injuries, overuse injuries, chronic idiopathic pain, and pain post-accident or trauma

• Neurological - headaches, migraines, Bell’s palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, tremors and post-stroke

• Endocrine - diabetes and pre-diabetes, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism

• Cardiovascular - hypertension, hypotension and palpitations

• Respiratory - asthma, COPD, bronchitis, pneumonia, and cold/flu symptoms

  For a deeper dive into conditions that acupuncture has been found to address, check out the Acupuncture Evidence Project.

We recommend hydrating and eating a light meal within an hour or two of your visit. It is not advisable to receive acupuncture on an empty stomach or after a prolonged fast. You should wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing that can easily be pushed above the knees and elbows. We expect your skin to be relatively clean, so please do not come straight from working out or gardening without rinsing off. Before your new acupuncture patient appointment, you’ll have the opportunity to talk to the practitioner via a free consultation call. During the call you’re welcome to ask any more specific questions that you have in preparation for your first visit.

To start your acupuncture journey, you can schedule your new patient appointment via the “book now” button. New patients also have the option to book a free 20 minute phone consultation prior to their first visit. During that discussion you and the practitioner can discuss your wellness goals, reasons for seeking treatment and any questions/concerns you may have. Once you’ve booked your appointment, you’ll get an email from Practice Better (our booking software) with several intake forms to complete. We require the initial paperwork to be completed at least 3 business days prior to your visit. If the paperwork is not completed, we will contact you to reschedule your appointment.

Microneedling patients can book their first session online, but will be contacted prior to their first visit to review a questionnaire to screen for contraindications to microneedling. Intake paperwork is also required to be completed 3 business days prior to your first visit.

No, we are not in network with any insurance carriers, nor are we able to accept insurance at this time. While insurance plans vary significantly, some have benefits that may reimburse you partially for acupuncture services. We do not know the details and intricacies of your particular plan, so please check with your individual insurance carrier to see if this applies to you. If you provide us with your insurance information we are happy to provide superbills that you will then be responsible for submitting to your insurance carrier. Please note that we do not provide superbills for SAAT, microneedling or cosmetic acupuncture.

• This varies based on your individual concern and general state of health. Acupuncture is a highly individualized system of care and treatments are uniquely tailored to your needs. To start, the practitioner may advise you to come in regularly to get a sense for how your body is adapting and responding to acupuncture treatments. This may look like having appointments once a week, for 4-12 weeks. Acute conditions may require multiple sessions a week for a shorter duration. And chronic conditions may require a longer overall duration of care. Together, you and your practitioner will discuss your care, concerns and develop a treatment plan to help you achieve your goals.

• Microneedling only patients will be seen once every 4-5 weeks for appointments. The number of sessions required is based on your age, lifestyle factors, overall health and will be tailored to your specific response to treatments. In general younger patients see results more quickly as their body’s typically have faster cellular turnover. Patients in their 20’s and 30’s may be happy with their results in as little as 3-4 sessions, while patients with more mature skin may take six or more sessions. While this is a general guideline, again, this varies based on the individual.

Yes, acupuncture is generally considered a safe treatment modality for improving health and wellness when performed by a qualified practitioner. While there are risks with nearly all health and wellness practices, your practitioner is happy to discuss your care plans and treatment methods used. Treatments are performed with your comfort and safety in mind. In order to practice and obtain licensure, acupuncturists must complete four years of graduate level education from an accredited institution and pass four national board exams demonstrating proficiency in Chinese medicine theory, biomedicine, acupuncture and herbal medicine.

In general, the answer is yes, but there are individual considerations that must be made. If you have had any sort of cosmetic procedures (eg. botox, filler, permanent makeup or microblading) you will be asked to disclose this on your intake form. Certain procedures require your practitioner to avoid areas of your body or require you to postpone receiving microneedling treatments for a designated amount of time to ensure safety and optimal results.

Microneedling can be used for a broad array of conditions including improving the appearance of scarring, wrinkles, fine-lines, discoloration and more. You are not a good candidate for microneedling if :

• You have a current/active contagious disease (eg. Shingles, cold sores, skin disease flare up)

• Have received chemo or radiation in the last year

• Have a tendency towards keloidal scaring

• Have taken Accutane in the last 3 months

• Have had filler or botox in the last 2 weeks

• You are pregnant

• You are taking anticoagulants (blood thinners)

For help accessing and navigating your patient portal, please see the following helpful links:

• Activating Your Client Account

• Client Portal Walkthrough